In Australia, family sedans have been replaced by 4WDs. One primary reason is that the main roads are jammed, so people prefer to travel off-road to reach their destination faster. In addition, natural wonders are seldom found on highways. Therefore, the demand for 4WD seats in Melbourne, RB26 Melbourne, RB26 Croydon, and Billet RB Croydon is steadily increasing.
Buying a 4WD for a new or an old vehicle is an adventure. It requires a solid financial commitment and a strategic approach. It is best to do adequate research to make an informed decision. After all, you are spending your hard-earned money on it.
So, if you have decided to buy your first 4WD, here are all the key factors you should consider to make the right choice.
Start by asking yourself these questions:
- Do you use public transport or a private vehicle to commute?
- Do you have enough space in your parking lot for 4WD?
- Do you park your vehicle in underground parking or multi-story?
If answers to all these questions indicate that you can accommodate a 4WD, consider purchasing a 4WD.
Dual cab UTE vs 4×4 wagon:
Dual cabs have interiors similar to cars and are equipped with the latest technology. 4×4 wagons are suitable for off-road use and offer an experience like traditional cars. They have softer suspensions.
4×4 wagons have more cargo space. However, the vehicle’s load-carrying and towing capacity might vary when driving off-road.
Weight:
Before purchasing a 4WD, refer to the owner’s manual. The GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) rating indicates a car’s maximum load, including fuel, cargo, and passengers. Extending this limitation may prove dangerous, severely impacting the suspension’s functionality.
Towing capacity:
This is a crucial point to consider if you are planning to buy a 4WD to tow a caravan. Commonly, the towing capacities of large 4x4s and twin-cab UTEs are around 3500 kilograms. They are capable of carrying a caravan or trailer. However, if the trailer is larger and exceeds this limit, it may cause the driver to have an emergency.
If you plan to buy a 4WD to tow the caravan, consider GCM (Gross Combination Mass). It includes the total weight of the towed caravan or trailer as permitted by the manufacturer. It is also mentioned in the owner’s manual.
So, the other significant weight to consider before you choose a vehicle is Gross Combination Mass (or GCM). This is the total weight of a car, and the manufacturer is permitted to weigh the attached towed caravan/boat/trailer. GCM can usually be found in the owner’s manual.
Accessories:
4WD accessories are stylish and attractive. If you visit the store once, you may end up buying everything. However, choosing judiciously is the key, as you cannot accommodate everything. The accessories you must consider buying are tyres, suspension, and driving lights.
Tyres:
Most 4x4s have highway-oriented tyres that are not very suitable for off-road situations. So, if you are buying a 4WD, invest in all-terrain tyres. They are built to run smoothly on challenging terrains, leading to fewer punctures. The only pitfall of these tyres is that they will make noise on smooth surfaces like highways. So, keeping two sets of tyres—one for regular highway journeys and another for off-road adventures is best.
Suspension:
Consider upgrading your suspension to tow a caravan or trailer using a 4WD. Do not let your 4WD’s rear end sag under the caravan’s load. The right way is to install airbags in the rear springs of the 4WD. Use suspensions with heavy springs and shock absorbers that can make caravan towing safer.
Driving lights
Off-road driving is filled with surprises. What if you come across an animal while driving at night? It is recommended to avoid off-road driving at night, especially with a trailer or a caravan. However, if you plan to do so, purchase unique driving lights that illuminate the road ahead up to one kilometre or more. This will give you more time to process the situation and react.
Crank Motor Sport, located at 13 Centre Way, Croydon South, Victoria, is the dream destination for 4WD lovers. You can also shop online for a wide range of 4WD gears at crankmotorsport.com.au.